Fatty acid amide hydrolase inhibitors. 2. Novel synthesis of sterically hindered azabenzhydryl ethers and an improved synthesis of VER-156084

We report an improved synthesis of the fatty acid amide hydrolase (FAAH) inhibitor VER-156084. The key step is a novel, environmentally benign etherification to form an unusual, highly hindered azabenzhydryl ether. The method is applied to a variety of primary and secondary alcohols.